6 from mushroom bust appear in court

Six Lucas County residents arrested last month in what was believed to be a near record seizure of psychedelic mushrooms appeared in Common Pleas Court Thursday to face multiple drug charges.

Matthew Thierry, 41, of 5910 Berkey-Southern Rd. in Whitehouse was charged with illegal manufacture of drugs, aggravated possession of drugs, aggravated trafficking in drugs, and tampering with evidence, each with major drug offender specifications. Also charged was his wife, Sara Thierry, 38, who faces one count each of tampering with evidence and obstructing justice.

Mikael Stiles, 31, of 5360 Secor Rd.;,Ronald Hammersmith, 43, of 5768 Home Lane, Ian Golbinec, 31, of 240 Eastern Ave., and Autum Johnson, 30, of 543 Colburn St. are each charged with illegal manufacture of drugs, aggravated possession of drugs, and aggravated trafficking in drugs. Mr. Golbinec and Ms. Johnson are also charged with tampering with evidence.

Judge Dean Mandros scheduled December trial dates for Mr. Golbinec, Mrs. Thierry, and Ms. Johnson, who each remained free on their own recognizance. The remaining defendants will return next week for arraignment.

The defendants are all charged in connection with the seizure of about 137 pounds, or an estimated $3.1 million worth, of psychedelic mushrooms, confiscated when five houses in Toledo and one in Whitehouse were searched in September.